World No. 1 Roger Federer cruised past Dominik Hrbaty and critics Monday on opening day at Wimbledon in his quest for a sixth consecutive Wimbledon title, topping his pal and former doubles partner 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

“I haven’t read or listened to any of it,” Federer said of whispers that he is now vulnerable after being crushed in the French Open by rival Rafael Nadal, who then turned around and won the grasscourt title at Queen’s. “I was concentrating on winning in Halle (his fifth grasscourt title in the German city).

On the last changeover of the match, Hrbaty came and sat next to Federer on his side of the umpire’s chair, sending a titter through the crowd.

“I looked over and there he was,” Federer said of Hrbaty. “He asked if I could sit next to me. I said, ‘Sure. There’s no problem. There’s an extra seat.’ We go way back. Used to play doubles together. Used to practice a lot together. You know, he taught me also a little bit how you’re supposed to practice because I was a little bit weak in the beginning of my men’s career and everything. I couldn’t practice real hard, so he sort of showed me how it works. He always said if I ever beat him in practice I’d probably be No. 1 in the world. That’s exactly how it went. We’ve had always good fun together. He said it might be his last Wimbledon, so it was almost a little bit emotional. So it was quite nice he did that…[He said] it’s a match that was a great honor for him to actually not only play against me, but be my friend. I said, ‘Well, same for me here.’ It was nice to share that moment on Centre Court together. ”

Canadian Frank Dancevic had the upset of the day, defeating former Wimbledon runner-up and No. 7 seed David Nalbandian in straight sets.

“You have that kind of day sometimes,” Nalbandian said. “I tried. Every shot I miss, I miss by close. Important shots, important points are all gone.”

Other Top 10 winners were (3) Novak Djokovic (d. Michael Berrer, bagel in the fourth), (5) David Ferrer (d. Sergiy Stakhovsky who retired in the third with injury), and (10) Marcos Baghdatis (d. Steve Darcis in four).

Also orchestrating upsets on the day were 25-year-old unheralded German Simon Stadler (d. (18) Ivo Karlovic in four), and Croat Mario “Baby Goran” Ancic (d. (32) Michael Llodra who retired in the third set).

Bobby Reynolds was the lone American winner on the day when his opponent Filippo Volandri retired after two sets. Americans on the short end Monday were Sam Querrey who lost to (21) Juan Carlos Ferrero in four; Vince Spadea who lost to Thomas Johansson in five; and Kevin Kim who fell to Robin Soderling in four.

“This first day was just a bunch of tough draws for the guys,” Reynolds said. “I guess I’m happy that I won, but obviously, you’d like to see all the Americans do well everyday.”

Querrey as usual was content with losing against a big-name player.

“He’s a good player, used to be No. 1 in the world and has won a Grand Slam, so it wasn’t too bad,” Querrey said. “I had some break points that I didn’t convert. I’m disappointed, but the guy is (No.) 20 in the world.”

French favorite Gael Monfils withdrew from the event citing a shoulder injury.

New world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic was all class in her debut as the top seed at Wimbledon on Monday, easing past Rossana DeLos Rios 6-1, 6-2.

“Becoming No. 1 takes more pressure, but also you have to see pressure for what it is,” Ivanovic said. “It’s a reflection of your own ambition. If you see it as a positive thing, it means that you put yourself in a position to do something memorable. So if you look at it that way, it can be very motivating.”

Not to be upstaged, Serena Williams made her opening-match Wimbledon entrance in a white trench coat, defeating Kaia Kanepi 7-5, 6-3.

“I just love coats,” Serena said. “I’m always buying Burberry coats. And I don’t know why, because I live in Florida, so it doesn’t really add up. Now I have a wonderful white coat I can wear on the court…It’s ladylike, and I’m very ladylike. It goes perfect with my personality…It’s just delectable.”

Other Top 10 winners were (4) Svetlana Kuznetsova (d. Mathilde Johansson from a set down), and (8) Anna Chakvetadze (d. Stephanie Dubois from a set down).

TENNIS-X NEWS, NOTES, QUOTES AND BARBS
The tallest player on tour, Ivo Karlovic, has lost for the fourth straight year in the first round at Wimbledon. The shortest player, Olivier Rochus, has now reached the second round for the third time in the last four tries…

Roger Federer is still streaking. After his first-round win the Swiss has won 60 straight matches on grass, 35 straight at Wimbledon and he’s won all 62 service games this grass season…

There were five men’s players who retired on day one at Wimbledon. By comparison just three retired all of last year…

Serena Williams has never ever lost a first-round Grand Slam match (35-0). And she’s a perfect 1-0 when wearing the trench coat streaker outfit in warmup…

The last three Grand Slams have been won by six different players in men’s and women’s singles…

With Roger Federer’s first-round win today, Novak Djokovic can no longer finish No. 1 at the end of Wimbledon…

Rafael Nadal has won 27 of his last 28 matches, including 17 straight…

Only one Spanish player has ever won Wimbledon — Manolo Santana in 1966…

Has doubles ever started on the first Monday of a Slam? The reason can only be one: Save money! Get the doubles guys off the courts and out of the hotel…

Juan Carlos Ferrero has never lost in the first round at Wimbledon…

If Roger Federer loses before the quarterfinals, Rafael Nadal will become No. 1 with a title…

Weather: Dry and warm conditions expected to continue on Tuesday…

Swede Jonas Bjorkman has announced he will retire at the end of the year…

Venus Williams is the focus of a new coffee-table book, Venus, to be published later this summer by Steidl. The book is a compilation of photos of Venus taken during her travels around the world by noted fashion photographer Koto Bolofo…

Nice new ESPN graphics, but watching Fowler, Gilbert and Collins try and interact is painful. And someone remind Gilbert’s make-up person that ESPN broadcasts in HD. And tell Mary Joe Fernandez to stop saying “some good success” — what, as opposed to some bad success? And how happy is Brad to be back in the limelight after schlepping around the Challenger circuit with the game-challenged Alex Bogdanovic? That’s like Phil Jackson taking a job coaching basketball at a D-II school.

I think the losses by Karlovic (Queen’s club quarterfinals and Nottingham champion), Nalbandian (Queen’s Club semifinalist) and Kolschriber (Halle Runner-up) may demonstrate that the tune up events are not a huge indicator of how a player will do at Wimbledon. The Big 3 won Queen’s, Halle and grabbed a runner-up spot at Queen’s so maybe they will inflate the numbers of the tune up events, but I did find those 3 losses with only 1 set won by Karlovic to be interesting.

Who are you to tell him which tournament to play? Winner’s prize at Halle is bigger than the one at Queen’s. And nobody prevents any other player to join him in Halle, but everyone knows their chance of winning is much bigger at Queen’s.

There is an interesting match going on right now: Gulbis-Isner… According to the result, Gulbis plays just as if he had 5 years of experience on the Tour behind him – at 5-5 each set, he breaks Isner’s serve and wraps up the set… magnificent.

I am happy that Victor Troicki, another Serb, Haas, Mathieu, Kiefer, Stepanek, Cilic, and Gasquet all sailed through to the next round. Gulbis had a close match with Isner.
I am sad Minar lost.
So far 7 players retired in the 1st round. Why do they do this? Why not retire like Monfils before the tournament so that others can play?

seems like roger has started the fashion stampede….although i’m not so sure about maria’s tuxedo.

the worst tennis fashion award (outside of agassi in the 80′s and early 90′s – he didn’t know any better) was the serena gladiator warm up outfit at the US Open a few years back. that was just ridiculous.

do you think the sweater is so he wouldn’t look stupid wearing a jacket whilst holding up the runners up trophy in this year’s final? it could have easily happened last year when nadal almost got him. i remember wondering whether he would wear the jacket in the presentation ceremony if he had lost.

I remember watching the live coverage of the Wimbledon men’s tennis final, between Pete and Andre in 1999.

Sorry to have to say this but when Pete went into
the building during a break between sets, he came out again, sat down between games, and I saw a lot of white powdery stuff come out of his nose onto his shirt when he went to wipe his face. It was very clear on the close ups.

Von,
In Men’s tennis, the only rule I am aware of is the following. You may know more. Could you direct me to where it mentions monetary fines for withdrawals when there is legitimate reason to do so or before 2 weeks, please?

8.03 ATP 2008 RACE
A. Each player is ranked according to his total points from the four Grand Slams, the nine ATP Masters Series Tournaments and the Tennis Masters Cup of the calendar year, and his best five results from all International Series Tournaments played in the calendar year. For every Grand Slam and ATP Masters Series Tournament for which a player is not in the Main Draw, and was not (and, in the case of a Grand Slam, would not have been, had he and all other players entered) a Main Draw Direct Acceptance on the original Acceptance List, and never became a Main Draw Direct Acceptance,the number of his results from all International Series Tournaments played in the calendar year, that count for his ranking, is increased by one. Once a player has been accepted in the Main Draw of one of these thirteen Tournaments, as a Direct Acceptance, a Qualifier, a Special Exempt or a Lucky Loser, or having accepted a Wild Card, his result in this tournament shall count for his ranking, whether or not he participates. A player’s second (2nd) withdrawal from an International Series Event (ISG/IS), whether on time or after the 12 noon deadline, shall result in a zero (0) point included as one of his best of five (5) results. Further non-consecutive withdrawals shall result in a zero (0) point allocation replacing the next best positive result for each additional withdrawal. Players with multiple consecutive withdrawals who are out of competition for 30 days or longer due to injury will not be subject to a ranking penalty as long as verified and approved medical forms are provided; or, a player shall not have the ranking penalty imposed if he completes the Promotional Activities requirement as specified under “Repeal of Fines” or if the on-site withdrawal procedures
apply.
B. Loser points for the rounds achieved are awarded to players in any Tournament not completed.

And
8.04 SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS ATP RANKINGS (SINGLES)
A. The South African Airways ATP Rankings (Singles) is based on calculating, for each player, his total points from the four Grand Slams, the nine ATP Masters Series Tournaments and
the Tennis Masters Cup of the Ranking period, and his best five results from all eligible Tournaments in the Ranking period. For every Grand Slam or ATP Masters Series Tournament for which a player is not in the Main Draw, and was not (and, in the case of a Grand Slam, would not have been, had he and all other players entered) a Main Draw
Direct Acceptance on the original Acceptance List, and never became a Main Draw Direct Acceptance, the number of his results from all other eligible Tournaments in the Ranking period, that count for his ranking, is increased by one. In weeks where there are not four Grand Slams and nine ATP Masters Series Tournaments in the Ranking Period, the number of a player’s best results from all eligible Tournaments in the Ranking Period will be
adjusted accordingly. Once a player is accepted in the Main Draw of one of these thirteen
Tournaments, as a Direct Acceptance, a Qualifier, a Special Exempt or a Lucky Loser, or having accepted a Wild Card, his result in this Tournament shall count for his ranking,
whether or not he participates. A player’s second (2nd) withdrawal from an International
Series (ISG/IS) Event whether on time or after the 12 noon deadline, shall result in a zero(0) point included as one of his best of five (5) results. Further non-consecutive withdrawals shall result in a zero (0) point allocation replacing the next best positive result for each additional withdrawal. Players with multiple consecutive withdrawals who are out of competition for 30 days or longer due to injury will not be subject to a ranking penalty as long as verified and approved medical forms are provided; or, a player shall not have the ranking penalty imposed if he completes the Promotional Activities requirement as
specified under “Repeal of Fines” or if the on-site withdrawal procedures apply.
B. Loser points for the rounds achieved are awarded to players in any Tournament not completed.

I was being facetious, of course Thompson. I can’t say that I ever noticed any such thing from / on Pete. I guess I’d have to look at replays of old matches. Given that he has a serious blood disorder -as has been mentioned on these blogs previously- I doubt he could’ve coped with any kind of “drug problem” let alone winning 14 Grand Slams. I’ll stand behind him; he was a champ of the first order. Innocent until proven guilty isn’t it?

All I’m saying is what I saw (only time). Check out the 1999
final if there is an old vhs copy knocking around.
Draw your own ideas. PS coppers don’t really believe in innocent until proven gulity. If they did, they would be rubbish cops because they would sometimes not arrest say in cases of drink n drive etc etc. You’re, with respect, confusing cops and the courts. Cops job is to detect crime and act on suspicion. That’s a power given in law.

Another thing, after the break Pete came out and played a whole lot better.

“Another thing, after the break Pete came out and played a whole lot better.”

This is a very common occurence. Players frequently play better after taking a break, even if only to re-group or splash water on their faces. (After the rain delay in the Wimbledon 05 final Roger came out and played a whole lot better against Roddick; I don’t think that means he was taking stimulants, or even should be suspected of such). So I don’t think that claim is evidence of anything. However, I’ll see if I can re-watch the match at some point to look for that “white stuff”. Now, I am focusing on the players actually on court!

Yeah, that’s good of you to watch an old copy.
(It’s when he blows his nose in his towel). Stuff like playing better is not evidence. But it adds a little to the suspicion. One solid evidence would be testing the stuff in a lab (too late now).

this has got to be one of the dumbest quotes i have heard in a while. doesnt matter that english is his second language. heres what Gasquet said after defeating some guy at wimbledon today: “I was playing really good with my serve and my backhand. So it’s important to play well with the serve and my backhand.”

Some strange upsets today
Davydenko(guess making more money instead of playing grass has shown its effects)
young(i was of the notion he is America next risng star)
canas(i thought haas was still injured).

I am not one for predictions, but I’d go along with almost all of your picks.

I could see Del Potro taking out Wawrinka, and might even predict as much.

Possibly Reynolds & Simone coming through, too, but much less likely.

As for Haas – the guy kind of bugs me lately even though he has a lovely game for grass; he’s just so prone to injuries at this stage of his career. He some times retires from matches after knocking out players who could’ve gone deeper, like at IW this year or Wimbie last year. I almost think it’s time for him to retire permanently from tennis, even though he is/was a great player to watch at his best.

“Against me, he’s had some issues, maybe not playing great in the most important moments,” said the Swiss. “He gave up against me in Miami, which surprised me, you know.

“Those are just signs sometimes of being a little mentally weak.”

It’s good Fed can acknowledge that players have (or, in the past, had) “issues” against him mentally and thus give up. Soderling can and has pushed Roger, but he always caves in (unlike against Rafa last year here). He’ll cave again tomorrow I suspect.

Thompson what are you talking about? Unless I see medical evidence of your claim I refuse to believe it. I read Sampras’s book and he said that he was in the zone in that match and it was easily one of his best ever matches. But he also addressed drugs in tennis. It became a big issue in tennis after Petr Korda was first caught. Sampras gave two solid reasons for why he never even thought about taking drugs. One was moral, he could never allow himself to cheat because he was so disciplined and believed in hard work and his “Gift”, as he called it. Two was that he had that th disease that I can’t spell that made him sick and by the end of his career he was taking plenty of medications for injuries, illnesses, and stress in general. His body would’ve never been able to handle supplements and steroids and what not. You should be ashamed of yourself for accusing such a great champion of such a terrible crime.

My sister read your post sending Haas to retire and wanted to k.. you, because as she said: he is the most handsome guy on tour. It’s amazing that she only cheers for Safin and Roddick, along with Haas. Why would that be?!:)

….Pete Sampras snorting in the middle of a Wimbledon final…….so logical,yes, going back to the court with all the white stuff all over his nose…..yes, it really makes sense……with thousands of TV camera watching at you…….but Sampras thought everybody would be looking at the floor in those moments so that nobody could see him with the white stuff on his nose and towel……so good for him that Andree didn’t see, you know, he didn’t want to share the white stuff with Andre…..at least not until the match is over……but wait, was it in the USOPEN when Sampras beat Chang with a syringe still in his arm and even with that he was making aces?…..yes, now I remember, it was in 1996 and poor Pete forgot to take the syringe off his arm and played all the final with the syringe hanging……., but you know, nobody complained because it was Pete, you know, and everybody knew that he got hooked on drugs when he was young, everybody knew he was a junky…….they even looked the other way when Pete couldn’t help smoking some hass during the courtchanges……..

I like the end part of Roddick’s interview: “They’ve [Fed, Rafa, and Djoko] played pretty well, but it goes in waves, dude. You know, people are gonna come in and [go] out…Now, as far as fun nicknames [like "The Big Three"], headlines and whatever, you know, I don’t really care. Everyone’s beatable. I’ve beaten the three of them. But if you’re asking if it pisses me off at all, I don’t really care. I just want to win tennis matches.”

well.. whatever.. i wouldnt mind if Safin wins Wimbledon. He is my next favourite player after Fed. A terrific win.. he looked very confident and pretty cool out there. Djoker just couldnt do much on his 2nd serve returns, which probably cost him the match and also the 9 double faults..

With Djokovic falling, this not only leaves just two guys for the #1 position in 2008 but it also underlines one of the key things that differentiate a legend from a champion: consistency.

We will soon see whether Fed will be able to extend his streak of 16 consecutive GS semis or more (10 wins – 3 final losses – 3 SF). Four years is a long period where you have more than just one bad day – or your opponent has ‘just one of his days’, as John McEnroe would point out to Safin’s today’s performance. Still finding a way to win on days like this, is what counts. Djokovic will have to prove in the future that he can survive these kind of challenges.

you’re welcome! I can empathize with you because i feel absolutely crummy when my guy loses Since I don’t root for too many players, it certainly makes the tournament less appealing/appetizing and the after effects linger for a while. However, it gets better; so chin up, chest out and carry on. :)